New invention

Moses O'Connor displays his prototype toothbrush called O'Connor's self-contained toothbrush he's been working on for years. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

MOSES O'Connor believes he has made toothbrushing much easier with his invention — the O'Connor's self-contained toothbrush.

This unique apparatus is divided into three parts — the handle, toothbrush head and the toothpaste cartridge.

The self-contained toothbrush has a telescoping function which when twisted, produces a certain amount of toothpaste on to the bristles.

When the toothbrush plunger indicates that the toothpaste is at its limit, one must deflate toothpaste to the toothbrush handle then attach toothbrush ready for use.

Mr O'Connor said he started the research on the self-contained toothbrush in 1990.

The first prototype was constructed on August 1, 1990, and despite suffering a stroke, he was still able to pursue his dream and complete his invention last year.

Speaking in the iTaukei language, the 83-year-old said he tried different styles and ways to make what he wanted, and thought of the name of his invention. Some of the names he came up with were toothbrush pumping pump, toothbrush chamber and toothbrush interlock.

The materials used for the self-contained toothbrush were conduit pipes and toothbrushes which were bought at his expense.

According to the Fiji Patent, an Australian patent, search in 1998 found that no other such patent has been taken out in Australia or Fiji.

Mr O'Connor said he was looking to negotiate and market his invention to toothbrush manufacturing companies in Australia or New Zealand.